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M-A in Geography at Ramkrishna Paramhans Mahavidyalaya
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Geography at Ramkrishna Paramhans Mahavidyalaya Unnao?
This M.A. Geography program at Ramkrishna Paramhans Mahavidyalaya focuses on advanced geographical concepts and methodologies. It equips students with skills in spatial analysis, environmental management, and socio-economic planning relevant to India''''s diverse landscape. The curriculum integrates traditional geographical thought with modern techniques like GIS and remote sensing, crucial for addressing contemporary developmental challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in Geography or allied fields seeking in-depth knowledge and research skills. It caters to those aspiring for careers in urban planning, environmental consultancies, disaster management, or research. Professionals in government sectors (e.g., Census, Survey of India) can also upskill, gaining expertise in spatial data analysis and policy formulation relevant to public service.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as GIS analysts, urban planners, environmental consultants, researchers, or educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking and data interpretation, preparing students for roles in academia, government bodies, NGOs, and private firms focusing on sustainable development and regional planning.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Geographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong theoretical foundation in Geomorphology, Climatology, Economic, and Population Geography. Regularly review fundamental theories and concepts, connecting them to Indian geographical contexts through local examples and case studies.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks, NPTEL/Swayam online courses, Academic journals, Peer study groups, Faculty consultation
Career Connection
This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding complex spatial problems and forms the basis for advanced analysis required in urban planning and environmental management roles.
Develop Cartographic & Statistical Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in practical sessions for Cartography and Statistical Methods. Master map projections, thematic mapping, data collection, and basic statistical analysis. Practice using relevant software (e.g., MS Excel) for data manipulation and visualization.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Online tutorials for mapping software (e.g., QGIS for basic visualization), Statistical guides, Faculty assistance
Career Connection
These crucial skills in data representation, analysis, and interpretation are highly valued in roles such as GIS analysts, researchers, and data-driven planners across various sectors.
Engage in Local Field Observations- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond prescribed practicals, undertake small-scale field observations of local landforms, settlement patterns, or environmental issues in Unnao and nearby areas. Document findings, analyze, and discuss observations with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Notebooks, Cameras, Local area maps, Guidance from faculty, Field observation checklists
Career Connection
Develops observational skills, critical thinking, and a practical understanding of geographical phenomena, which is highly beneficial for field research and data collection roles in environmental and planning agencies.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Advanced Geospatial Technologies- (Semester 3)
Intensively engage with Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing practicals. Work on comprehensive projects involving digital image processing, spatial modeling, and data integration. Utilize open-source software and real-world datasets for in-depth analysis and problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
QGIS, GRASS GIS, Google Earth Engine, ISRO''''s Bhuvan portal, Relevant MOOCs on Coursera/edX for advanced geospatial analysis
Career Connection
This direct skill enhancement prepares students for specialized roles as Geospatial Analysts, GIS Developers, and Remote Sensing Scientists in government agencies, research institutions, and private consultancies.
Undertake Focused Dissertation Research- (Semester 3-4)
Begin the dissertation process early in Semester 3. Select a research topic aligned with your specialization (e.g., urban planning, environmental impact, disaster vulnerability), conduct thorough literature review, collect and analyze data, and write a high-quality thesis.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus), Statistical software (R, SPSS), Research methodology guides, Constant faculty mentorship
Career Connection
The dissertation showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for academic positions, research fellowships, and advanced analytical roles in policy think tanks and non-governmental organizations.
Prepare for Career & Professional Development- (Semester 4)
Actively explore career opportunities by researching potential employers (government, NGOs, private firms). Attend workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and public speaking. Consider relevant certifications in specific GIS software or data science tools.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell (if available), LinkedIn, Government job portals (UPSC, UPPSC), Company websites, Professional networking events, Online certification platforms
Career Connection
Direct preparation for securing placements in relevant sectors, ensuring a smooth transition from academia to professional roles and facilitating long-term career growth in the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, preferably with Geography as a subject at the undergraduate level.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for theory/practical/dissertation), External: 75% (for theory/practical/dissertation)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG-101 | Geomorphology | Core | 4 | Origin of Earth and Continents, Isostasy and Earth Movements, Denudational Processes, Fluvial, Glacial, Aeolian Landforms, Karst and Coastal Geomorphology |
| GEOG-102 | Climatology and Oceanography | Core | 4 | Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Insolation and Heat Budget, Air Masses, Fronts, Cyclones, Monsoons and Climate Classification, Ocean Relief, Currents, Tides and Waves |
| GEOG-103 | History of Geographical Thought | Core | 4 | Contributions of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Renaissance and Age of Discoveries, German, French, British Schools of Thought, Dualism in Geography, Determinism, Possibilism, Probabilism |
| GEOG-104 | Geography of India | Core | 4 | Physiographic Divisions, Climate, Drainage, Soils and Natural Vegetation, Major Agricultural Regions, Industrial Development and Transport, Population Distribution and Growth |
| GEOG-105P | Cartography and Field Techniques | Practical | 2 | Scales and Map Projections, Thematic Mapping, Topographical Maps Interpretation, Chain, Tape and Plane Table Surveying, Field Report Preparation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG-201 | Economic Geography | Core | 4 | Economic Activities and Resource Classification, Theories of Industrial Location, Agricultural Systems and Regions, Transport and Communication Networks, International Trade Patterns |
| GEOG-202 | Population and Settlement Geography | Core | 4 | Population Distribution and Density, Population Growth Theories and Trends, Migration Types and Patterns, Rural Settlement Patterns, Urbanization and City Classification |
| GEOG-203 | Regional Planning and Development | Core | 4 | Concept of Region and Regionalization, Theories of Regional Development, Rural and Urban Planning, Sustainable Development Goals, Regional Disparities in India |
| GEOG-204 | Remote Sensing and GIS | Core | 4 | Principles of Remote Sensing, Aerial Photography and Satellite Systems, Image Interpretation Techniques, GIS Data Models and Database, Spatial Analysis and Applications |
| GEOG-205P | Statistical Methods in Geography | Practical | 2 | Data Classification and Representation, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing (t-test, Chi-square), GIS Applications and Mapping |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG-301 | Social and Cultural Geography | Core | 4 | Concepts of Society and Culture, Geography of Religion and Language, Racial and Ethnic Distributions, Tribal Geography of India, Cultural Regions and Diffusion |
| GEOG-302 | Environmental Geography | Core | 4 | Environment-Society Relationship, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Degradation and Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Climate Change and Adaptation |
| GEOG-303 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Concept of Hazard and Disaster, Types of Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters, Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness, Early Warning Systems, Case Studies of Indian Disasters |
| GEOG-DSE301A | Urban Geography | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Urbanization Processes and Trends, City Systems and Classification, Internal Structure of Cities, Urban Problems (Slums, Pollution), Urban Planning and Smart Cities |
| GEOG-304P | Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing | Practical | 2 | Digital Image Processing, DEM and Terrain Analysis, GPS and Navigation Systems, Network Analysis and Site Suitability, Thematic Mapping with GIS Software |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG-401 | Political Geography | Core | 4 | State, Nation, Nation-State Concepts, Frontiers, Boundaries and Enclaves, Geopolitics and Global Power Structure, Electoral Geography and Spatial Analysis, Maritime Boundaries and Resources |
| GEOG-402 | Research Methodology and Field Techniques | Core | 4 | Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Primary & Secondary), Sampling Techniques, Questionnaire Design and Interviewing, Field Work and Report Writing |
| GEOG-DSE401A | Geography of Resources | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Concepts and Classification of Resources, Distribution and Utilization of Resources, Conservation and Management of Resources, Energy Resources (Coal, Petroleum, Renewable), Water and Forest Resources |
| GEOG-403 | Dissertation | Project | 6 | Topic Selection and Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination |
